For much of her life, the public figure “felt like a floating head,” detached from her body because she was dissatisfied with her appearance. Despite her improved self-image, she is still startled by how many people comment on her teeth. The celebrity has struggled with body image since her early infancy. She was born in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and has battled acute shyness and an eating issue since the age of 16.

Her difficulties were not restricted to personal issues. With a mother who worked at Childline and a father who sold cars while battling addiction, she grew up in an unstable household. In an interview from April 2025, the actress revealed: “I was almost mute and very socially apprehensive. I couldn’t sit down for a meal. My mother had to leave food about the home, and I would have to snack. Now I know what it was: neurodivergence.

As she grew older, her bewilderment became even more intense. She couldn’t understand why chores that were simple to others were so difficult for her, and why things others battled with came naturally. “I got diagnosed a few years ago with ADHD with autistic traits,” she told me. “But then it was suggested that I go for an autism assessment.” They believe that autism may be driving the charge, with ADHD serving as a byproduct of the masking.

As life at home became more challenging, new obstacles arose in school. Following her parents’ breakup, the future star’s stepfather enrolled her in a private school. The actress arrives at the annual BAFTA Breakthrough Brit Party on November 7, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images She was constantly bullied and unhappy there. “I remember the day in year seven when I made the strategic decision to change,” she said in another interview. During a drama class game of freeze tag, an instructor gave her a simple nod: “Do it.”